2012-2013 Catalogue

Plant and Soil Science (Master of Science)

Overview

Current research projects are concerned with the solution of horticultural and agronomic problems with special emphasis on environmental physiology, soil chemistry, pasture management, plant nutrition, and pest management. Areas of research include winter hardiness of fruits, and woody and herbaceous ornamentals; cultural and environmental interrelationships as they affect plant growth, crop adaptation, and variety; pasture production and marginal land utilization; crop establishment and soil productivity; mycorrhizal fungi; soil chemistry of the rhizosphere; redox reactions in soils; the behavior of heavy metals; compost and organic matter research; behavior of nitrogen in the soil; nutrient availability to plants; agricultural waste management; biological control of insects, disease, and weeds; integrated pest management for control of insects, diseases, and weeds. A student's thesis research will be an integral part of the on-going research efforts of the department.

General Requirements

Specific Requirements

Requirements for Admission to Graduate Studies for the Degree of Master of Science

An undergraduate major in an appropriate agricultural, environmental, biological, or physical science. Satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination, general (aptitude) section.

Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy for the Degree of Master of Science

Satisfactory completion of one academic year of graduate study in the Department of Plant and Soil Science, and a written or oral comprehensive examination. The decision on the type of comprehensive exam will be made by the major professor after consulting with the student.

Minimum Degree Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science

Eighteen to twenty-two credits in Plant and Soil Science and closely related fields; satisfactory participation in seminars during residency; thesis research (six to twelve credits). All masters students must take part in the department's undergraduate teaching program.